Radiant floor heating systems are a great option to consider, especially if you are doing an extensive remodel or building a home. While less expensive to install than a geothermal system, they are much more energy efficient than traditional forced-air systems. Here’s what you need to know about radiant floor heating.
Radiant Floor Heating for Your Home
- How radiant floor heating works. Radiant floor heating works through tubes that are installed under the floor of your home. Heating results from convection, or the circulation of the heat as the air rises into the room. It is a great option if you are already remodeling your home, or have a boiler system in your home.
- Are there different types of radiant floor heating systems? Yes. The tubes are either electric, hydronic (water-filled), or filled with warm air. Sensible Heating & Cooling normally installs hydronic radiant heat systems because they are the most cost-effective and distribute heat more evenly. Radiant floors can be installed in conjunction with a variety of systems, including solar, to help decrease your energy costs and environmental impact even more.
- Efficiency. Radiant floor heating is very effective. Because it relies on convection and heat rising from the floor (it’s working with basic thermodynamic principles here), less heat is wasted (unlike with traditional duct systems), and you will more than likely see a reduction in your energy bill.
- Great for families with allergies. Forced air systems can distribute allergens through your home, so people with allergies or respiratory problems often prefer radiant heat.
- Installation. A retrofit installation of a radiant floor heating system can be a bit tricky, but they are an excellent option for a remodel or a new build since they can be installed before the floor coverings. You can also install only in a kitchen or a bathroom if you are remodeling those rooms–nothing like toasty toes when you’re getting out of the shower or making your morning cup of coffee!
- Repairs. This is one downside of radiant floor heating–unless the problem is very obvious and isolated, repairs often require tearing up the floor.
- Radiant floor heating for the outdoors. Radiant systems are also great for driveways or patios, as they melt the ice and snow . They are particularly helpful if you have a vacation home in the mountains–they greatly lessen the chance that the next time you head up for the weekend, you’ll be blocked from your driveway by a giant mound of snow.
If you have any questions about installing a radiant floor heating system in your home, please give us a call. You can reach Dan at 720.876.7166 or [email protected].
